Totally up to you! You know, like what size home/yard you have, if you have family, if you have a job that takes up a lot of time, the amount you can spend on food, do you want to groom the dog?
That sounds overwhelming... I just noticed. o.o But being an owner of a dog, I can tell you that it's not. In fact, it helps you narrow down what breed you might go for!
But first I REALLY suggest you go to a dog shelter. And talk to the shelter workers there. They'll tell you about each indivual dog, what the dog would need from you, if the dog's trained... all of the stuff you need to know. Even better, they won't lie to you to make you buy the dog. The last thing a dog shelter worker wants to see is a dog returned. :(
But if you are a little afraid of a mutt and the uncertainty about their personality and needs (though that can be the funnest thing about them as well ;) ), then that's okay. I put a link to a quiz below for you to take, it'll give you some idea of what dog might suit you.
When you look for a breeder, make sure that they are registered with the American Kennel Association (Or whatever country you're in.) Ask about the puppy's parents, their moods, their behavior, all of that. Most good breeders would be careful about owner selection, but don't be intimidated. It just shows that they take a lot of love and pride in breeding that breed.
Beware of pet shop puppies and something that's nicknamed a 'puppymill'. A puppymill will breed lots of puppies so that there's always some available, they'll pay no attention to what they're breeding as long as it's cute, and you're quite likely to get a sick puppy. Or a puppy that's genetically more likely to get sick.
Oh... and please don't breed whatever dog you get. Unless you'll become one of those obsessive loving breeders who take a lot of pride in genetically bettering that breed, who try and breed out genetic problems, ect... it might be better to avoid that. There's no profit in breeding puppies, only a chance to try and help a breed become healthier.
Sorry! If it seems a bit overwhelming, don't worry. Just avoid bad people who breed dozens of puppies, backyard breeders... the people who think 'Wouldn't it be cute if our dog had puppies?', and pet shops.
Quizes like the one I gave you will tell you what dog suits you. :D Or people like shelter workers, who work with the dogs available. Or the good breeders, who understand what to do to breed well.
It really IS worth it! ^o^
2006-07-16 05:07:54
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answer #1
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answered by Sara 3
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Go to your local animal shelter. There are so many dogs that need good homes. You will know when you see the right dog for you. The rewards are tremendous. Remember they are lot of responsibility. Do not take it lightly! I have had several different breeds. And I have loved them all. All of them lived 10 years or more. Each one has a different personality. Dogs of the same breed may not act alike, even brothers and sisters. So make sure the one you pick suits your family, living enviroment and lifestyle. If you cannot devote the time it takes to own a dog, do not get one...
Proud owner of: 2 dobermans, 1 Pit bull, 1 German Shepperd, 1 Boston Terrier, 1 Boxer and currently an American Bulldog (Bred from Alan Scott's "Crusher").
2006-07-16 05:02:45
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answer #2
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answered by zz 1
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Best for what? There are hundreds of different breeds. Best for kids? Best watchdog? Best and most obedient? If you want a more specific recommendation, you'll need to say what your lifestyle is - apartment or house? kids or not? How much time are you willing to spend training, exercising and caring for the dog?
BEFORE you get any dog you should read some great books on training. (Try not to pick books randomly - there are a lot of bad books out there also!) These are some of my favorites and you can get them on Amazon.com
What All Good Dogs Should Know – Volhard http://www.volhard.com/
Good Owners, Great Dogs - Brian Kilcommins
Dog Tricks : Eighty-Eight Challenging Activities for Your Dog from World-Class Trainers by Haggerty and Benjamin
Don't Shoot the Dog - Pryor
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method - Volhard
Dog Problems - Benjamin
Cesar's Way - Cesar Millan
Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I've ever seen on TV.
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/
2006-07-16 07:10:07
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answer #3
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answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7
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I love English Cocker Spaniels!! (Not to be confused with American Cocker Spaniels, commonly called Cocker Spaniels in the United States)
But you need one that is best suited to you and your needs.
I wanted a walking companion, an affectionate strong dog. But the breed sheds quite a bit.
2006-07-16 05:07:33
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answer #4
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answered by mj_schrader 3
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You need to determind your lifestyle before pick a breed. If you live in a city or the country....or are you active or laid back....Do you want low maintainence or a dog that you can keep beautifully groomed. Get on the net and investigate. One more thing to consider is looking in a local shelter.
2006-07-16 04:56:56
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answer #5
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answered by groomingdiva_pgh 5
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Well, the best breed of dog I ever owned was an Irish Wolfhound. They're very big dogs, but they have such a quiet, gentle disposition. I love how loyal, intelligent, and peace-loving they are.
2006-07-16 04:56:36
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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Whatever breed suits your lifestyle. Make sure you do lots of research so that you're sure you will be able to get along with a specific dog. I personally love yorkies and doxies. I've just recently fallen in love with little Morkies which are maltese/yorkie mixes. :)
2006-07-16 04:52:26
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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"pound puppy" There are many dogs and an animal shelter desperately needing a home! Many are full breeds. Some are rescued from puppy mills. Please go to smallpawsrescue.org and check out the cutes dogs you've ever seen!
2006-07-16 05:09:36
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answer #8
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answered by petlover 5
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If you want a family orientated dog, the best dog would be a black lab/golden retriever mix. They have been voted best dog 16 times and I own one myself. He's protective of his people but not aggressive unless someone grabs you.
2006-07-16 04:53:37
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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The one that suits what "YOU" want in a dog. If you are uncertain, go to AKC.org and they list each breed and describe it in enough detail to give you an idea if that is suitable to you and your lifestyle.
For me personally...big dogs rule!
2006-07-16 04:52:55
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answer #10
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answered by J Somethingorother 6
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